The regional scientific workshop for less exploited fish and genetic resources and their improvement was held at the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) inColombo, Sri Lanka.
The scientific workshop was held with the presence of the minister of agriculture and fisheries of Sri Lanka, the state secretary of agriculture and fisheries, the heads of research centers and universities and the professors
and researchers. The regional scientific workshop for less exploited fish and genetic resources and their improvement was conducted with the effort of the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP), the Asia-Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology (APCoAB), theCouncilofAgriculture in Taiwan (COA), and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), in collaboration with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA), the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka. The workshop began with participants assessing the current status of less exploited fish and the genetic resources of the marine organisms at the regional level and the status of research and development to improve the situation of species with
priority for food as well as reporting on the status of the countries. Then, the lack of knowledge and the future prospects for defining regional priorities for less exploited species, raising awareness about the role and value of less exploited fish that has potential for diversifying the food basket and improving the livelihoods of rural and coastal populations has been discussed in specialized panels. These panels were divided into five groups: (1) protection, development and use of less exploited fish; (2) value added, market and trade; (3) biotechnology and improve consumption; (4) participation and development of cooperation capacities; (5) integrated regional data sharing system. At the end, fish management strategies for less exploited fish and preparing a legal framework and policy to promote the conservation and sustainable exploitation of less exploited fish in the regional level have been reviewed.Dr. Salarpouri,
in addition to providing a report on the status of less exploited fish and the genetic resources of aquatic organisms in Iran, while actively participating in panels and discussion in the groups, presented expert opinions as one of the final speakers to conclude and formulate legal frameworks and policies promoting the conservation and sustainable exploitation of less exploited fish.